Clark Atlanta University suspended its marching band for suspicion of hazing, according to a statement released Thursday by the university. The university suspended performances of its “Mighty Marching Panthers” Marching Band in “light of an allegation regarding the possibility of hazing within ranks. There is, however, no immediate evidence of hazing or any other foul… Continue reading Clark Atlanta University’s ‘Mighty Marching Panthers’ Suspended Amid Hazing Investigation
Category: Band
FAMU Band President Charged in Robert Champion’s Death
Dante Martin A Psychology Major at FAMU has been charged with felony hazing in the death of Robert Champion, according to court documents obtained by the Orlando Sentinel. Dante Martin, a 25-year-old member of FAMU’s famous Marching 100, joins 11 other defendants in the hazing investigation. Martin, who acted as bus president, allegedly organized the… Continue reading FAMU Band President Charged in Robert Champion’s Death
Bus Driver ‘Participated’ in FAMU Marching 100 Hazing Rituals
More disturbing details are unfolding in the Robert Champion hazing investigation. A lawsuit filed Wednesday by Robert and Pamela Champion alleges Fabulous Coach Bus Line and it’s driver Wendy Millete “frequently participated” in or allowed hazing rituals to take place on the buses she operated, according to CNN. The 33-page document alleges Millette “breached her… Continue reading Bus Driver ‘Participated’ in FAMU Marching 100 Hazing Rituals
FAMU President Resigns Amid Robert Champion Hazing Scandal
The president of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University has resigned amid a hazing scandal resulting from the death of marching band member Robert Champion, Associated Press reports. James Ammons reportedly submitted his resignation Wednesday; the same day Champion’s parents filed a lawsuit against the University. They seek damages in excess of $15,000. Ammons’ resignation, effective… Continue reading FAMU President Resigns Amid Robert Champion Hazing Scandal
Former HBCU Marching Band Members Shed Light on Hazing Culture
The fear was constant in your mind. You’re in a dark room with a blindfold on with about three other people who are taking turns hitting you. – Regina Moore, Alabama A&M The death of Florida A&M marching band member Robert Champion exposed a secret culture within the Historically Black College University marching bands. Champion,… Continue reading Former HBCU Marching Band Members Shed Light on Hazing Culture
Bethune-Cookman Marching Band Member Pronounced Dead at Party
A Bethune-Cookman student was found dead at an off-campus apartment early Sunday morning, WFTV reports. Primas Christopher Foulks, 23, a member of Bethune-Cookman Wildcats band, died after attending a party where alcohol was being served. Witness told police Foulks began to vomit and sweat heavily shortly after he arrived, CFNews 13 reports. Foulks later passed… Continue reading Bethune-Cookman Marching Band Member Pronounced Dead at Party
Suspects to be Charged in FAMU Robert Champion Hazing Case, Parents Call it “BitterSweet”
Suspects in the Florida A&M University band member Robert Champion hazing homicide case are expected to be charged, The Associate Press reports. At least five separate cases reportedly have been prepared. Robert Champion, 26, was a member of the Florida A&M’s prominent Marching 100 band. He was killed in a hazing incident on their traveling… Continue reading Suspects to be Charged in FAMU Robert Champion Hazing Case, Parents Call it “BitterSweet”
Florida A&M Hazing Controversy Causes Police Chief to Resign
Florida A&M’s police chief has resigned amid controversy surrounding the Marching 100 member Robert Champion’s death as a result of hazing, The Orlando Sentinel reports. Police Chief Calvin Ross served 11 years as chief of FAMU’s police department. The news comes a week after it was discovered two faculty members were engaging in hazing acts… Continue reading Florida A&M Hazing Controversy Causes Police Chief to Resign
Florida A&M President Remains Head of School
FAMU Board of Trustees voted not to suspend president Dr. James Ammons, despite strong opposition from Gov. Rick Scott. The Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is currently investigating the death of Robert Champion, a band member killed from suspected hazing. His death was ruled a homicide in an autopsy performed by the Orange-Osceola Medical… Continue reading Florida A&M President Remains Head of School
Three FAMU Band Members Face Hazing Charges for Beating
Florida A&M band member Bria Shante Hunter was beaten in a suspected hazing ritual that left her with a broken thigh, according to the Associated Press. The beatings, authorities said, took place on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. She was physically attacked with fists and a metal ruler, so she may be iniated into the… Continue reading Three FAMU Band Members Face Hazing Charges for Beating